What does an orienteer do when his or her competitive days are over? When you've run your last step in the woods and the legs just refuse to "give" any more, a difficult decision must be made. Would one retire to the golf course, would one take up coaching, would one join the legions of "talking heads" or create one's own orienteering "scouting" site on the internet?

These are decisions some say Swampfox will soon face. As he enjoys his "twilight" years he will be hearing from every corner of the globe. Advisors will seem to emerge from the woodwork, dripping drops of wisdom, punditry, prognostication, bad advice, good advice, what have you?

What do OKers think Swampfox should be focussed on?

-- (everett@psi.edu), July 05, 2000

Answers

Well, it is probably a bit early to think of Swampfox as a washed-up- has-been (he is, afterall the defending elite US Champ). But, we probably owe it to him to begin to speculate about his post-elite career.

It'll take some careful thought to come up with the best alternative. But, I'll throw out one idea (the first that popped in to my head)...

Eco-challenge team navigation coach. I figure Swampfox could charge Eco-challenge teams to teach them how to read a map. He could run them around the forest near Laramie (first control Ames Monument, second control Windmill, third control Bosler, and so on).

-- Michael (meglin@juno.com), July 05, 2000.

Perhaps we should solicit an opinion from an expert, somebody who is even a bit closer than Mikell to retirement. I speak of Ruth Crawford, who, although she did complete the five days of individual competition at last year's 1000-Day, may or may not be back this year at age 90 (I don't have registration information yet). But perhaps this is not a good comparison, since Mikell lacks the one key item that Ruth has: a maniacal daughter to drag her out to meets when she should be relaxing in her sunset years.

On the other hand, perhaps we should look to Peter Gagarin, who transitioned gracefully to being a powerhouse masters competitor, although he's been mighty scarce lately, due to a nagging ankle injury. Maybe Peter is really the one who is on the verge of retirement.

-- J-J (jjcote@juno.com), July 06, 2000.

Hey! I haven't even finished stuffing my suitcase with meaningless plastic objects yet!

-- Swampfox (wmikell@earthlink.net), July 06, 2000.

There has been some speculation that Ruth will hold out for the '02 1000-days, not wanting to show her cards before the Possum Trot later on this fall. They say that Ruth is on the verge of a "breakthrough" season this year and could give Mr. Swampfox a real run for his money!

-- Mook (everett@psi.edu), July 06, 2000.

Swampfox is a West Point grad and former Army officer. Maybe he could become a soldier of fortune?

-- Michael (mike_eglinski@kcmo.org), July 07, 2000.